Cypriot livestock farmers protest against foot-and-mouth disease culling

Following the detection of foot-and-mouth disease in the Limassol district, specifically in Pano Pachna, Cypriot livestock farmers held an emergency meeting in Choirokoitia on Wednesday, May 20. The association 'Voice of Farmers,' led by Neophytos Neophytou, announced that farmers will not engage in mass protests, road blocks, or election-related actions. Instead, they have collectively decided to physically obstruct veterinary services from performing animal culls and mandatory sampling. The farmers are demanding a re-examination of their herds through a second round of sampling. Four agricultural organizations have formally requested that the President of the Republic allow the culling of only infected animals, bypassing standard European protocols. Neophytou stated that producers are prepared to face potential arrests to protect their livelihoods and properties. Veterinary authorities maintain that containment measures are necessary, but farmers argue that the current protocols are too severe. The situation remains tense as farmers have committed to gathering in Pano Pachna to prevent planned culling operations.